My Windows 11 desktop PC suddenly cannot open Outlook classic and states that profile is locked.

Question

I have an old Surface Pro, running Windows 10 and Classic Outlook with NO PROBLEMs.

I have a newer desktop PC, which I purchased so I could upgrade to Windows 11. I have been using it with Outlook classic with no problems for months. However, after a recent update, I can no longer open Outlook. It just hangs in the "Loading Profile" state. If I check One Drive, I see that the profile file is listed as "sync pending" because the file is open by another device. Closing Outlook on my Surface Pro and restarting the Surface Pro and the desktop PC does not fix this.

Answer 1

Open the Settings App, go to Windows Updates - Update History, what is the KB number of the latest update installed, is it, KB5074109?

If that is the latest update installed, this is an ongoing problem with Outlook after the January KB5074109 Update, that update is affecting Outlook POP accounts, this is being reported by many people after that update, some people have reported if you uninstall the Windows update, that will resolve the problem.

Microsoft have indicated they are working to resolve this problem caused by the update and will provide a solution as soon as possible.

Answer 2

It seems that your Outlook is experiencing issues due to the profile being locked, likely because it is still being accessed by another device, as indicated by the "sync pending" status in OneDrive. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Ensure Outlook is Closed on All Devices: Make sure that Outlook is completely closed on both your Surface Pro and your desktop PC. You can check the Task Manager to ensure there are no lingering Outlook processes.
2. Check OneDrive Sync: Since the profile file is showing as "sync pending," you may need to pause syncing in OneDrive temporarily. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray, select "Pause syncing," and then try opening Outlook again.
3. Repair Outlook: If the issue persists, you can try repairing your Outlook installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find Microsoft Office, and select "Change" to access repair options.
4. Create a New Profile: If repairing does not work, consider creating a new Outlook profile. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles, and then adding a new profile.
5. Check for Updates: Ensure that both Windows and Outlook are updated to the latest versions, as updates can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult Microsoft support for further assistance.

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References:

• What to do when Outlook will not open on my PC? - Microsoft Q&A
• Outlook not responding error or Outlook freezes when you open a file or send mail